When John, a teacher at Innovation Academy Experiential Learning High School in Oregon, first met Certified Hearing Dog Chowder, he wasn’t sure what to expect. After years of grappling with hearing loss, John had long resisted the idea of a Service Dog. But as he reflected on how he coped with everyday sounds and the limitations it brought to his life, he decided to apply. Eventually, the time came for a placement, and that’s when Chowder entered John’s world—and changed it forever.
John and Chowder during their one-year follow-up visit.
From the very start, Chowder impressed John. His enthusiasm for training and his calm demeanor at home, especially around John’s kids, led to an instant bond. Chowder quickly adapted to his new role, alerting John to important sounds like the door knock, oven timer, and alarm clock at home. And his method of alerting—a firm tap before leading John to the sound—made John burst out laughing every time. Chowder was not only a capable worker but also a joyful presence that made life at home lighter.
John was particularly excited about how Chowder would help him gain independence and companionship. Working as a teacher in a bustling classroom, it used to be hard for John to keep track of alarms or phone calls amidst the ambient chatter of his students. But Chowder made all the difference. “No matter what Chowder is doing, he’ll perk up and zoom over to me anytime a sound goes off,” John shared. With Chowder by his side, John feels a renewed sense of confidence in managing his environment, knowing that important sounds won’t be missed.
Chowder became an integral part of John’s classroom, both working quietly at his feet and serving as an educational tool for the students. John was eager to teach his class about how Service Dogs can assist individuals with disabilities, and Chowder was the perfect example.
Reflecting on his journey to applying for a hearing dog, John admitted that he had initially resisted the idea.
“I just turned 50. The possibility of a Hearing Assistance Dog first came up for me when I was in my mid-20s. I was reluctant as a youngster for a variety of reasons—but pride was certainly one of them. I avoided accepting my limitations for a long time and paid a price for it. What changed for me was I wasn’t able to cope like I used to, but also that I had less interest in pretending to be something I wasn’t. I wish I’d opened up to the idea of a service dog sooner. Chow’s not just a helper. He’s a symbol of my acceptance of myself.”
Chowder’s Backstory
Certified Hearing Dog Chowder as a puppy
Chowder’s journey to becoming John’s partner began long before their first meeting. Born from Numo’s litter, Chowder was part of the ABC Breeding Cooperative. He spent his early months in Portland with his puppy raiser, Julie. During his time with Julie, Chowder developed his foundational skills, preparing him for formal training back at the Central Point campus. Under the guidance of his trainer, Emily, Chowder excelled. “It was clear early on that Chowder would be a perfect match for someone with a demanding lifestyle like John’s,” she said. Chowder completed his training with flying colors, becoming the skilled and affectionate dog that would bring such joy and independence to John’s life.
When John learned that Chowder had been selected for him, it was an emotional moment. “I was nervous,” John admitted. “When the day came, it was a deeply emotional moment—placement is a lot of work. I’m not a pet person. When I met Chowder, I was like, ‘I’m John. It’s very nice to meet you.’ He got sick of that pretty quick and sat in my lap.”
Since their placement, Chowder has continually surprised John with his intelligence and sensitivity.
One of the most touching examples was when Chowder began alerting to the whistle John’s family uses to find each other in public.
“Previously, I’d miss this sound quite a bit, but now Chowder alerts me anywhere in public and helps me figure out which of my family members is trying to find me,” John said. “I didn’t teach this to Chowder; he just started picking it up since the family does it so often.”
John and Chowder are pictured with John’s family during placement week, as they learned to navigate the grocery store with a Service Dog.
Chowder’s intuitive ability to learn and adapt has been a constant source of amazement. “Chow surprises me all the time. He’s great with sounds he’s been trained to alert me to, but he alerts me to all sorts of other stuff too. He checks in to see if this or that needs my attention, especially in the classroom. Sometimes he’s right.”
John’s journey with Chowder is not just about navigating the sounds of everyday life—it’s about reclaiming independence, embracing his hearing loss, and finding a constant companion who understands his unique needs.
“He’s validating my experience as someone who hears the way I do: inconsistently and imperfectly. Chowder has made me more independent. He’s given me room to create some space for myself. As it turns out, this is a big deal.”
Together, John and Chowder are not just a Hearing Dog Team—they are partners, sharing their story with the world and making the often-overlooked auditory world visible. For John, Chowder is more than a dog—he’s a teammate, a confidant, and a reminder that accepting help can lead to incredible growth and transformation.
Would you or someone you care about benefit from a Hearing Assistance Dog? Visit dogsforbetterlives.org/hearing-dogs to learn more about their work, and apply.
